Aboriginal History at The Forks, Winnipeg, MB

This National Historic Site of Canada is a Manitoba Favourite

Feb 22, 2010
Lori Henry

Skate Plaza at The Forks, Winnipeg (Manitoba) - Lori Henry

Learn local aboriginal history at the Red & Assiniboine rivers. The Forks, Winnipeg is a National Historic Site and will be home to the Canadian Museum for Human Rights.

Whenever green space is developed within the downtown core of a city, it’s always popular. The Folks, Winnipeg, then, is a star. Not only is it a gorgeous park sitting at the junction of Red River and the Assiniboine River, it is a National Historic Site because of the aboriginal history that began over 6,000 years ago.

The Forks, Winnipeg

Aboriginal tribes have used this river junction as a meeting place for over 6,000 years. Artefacts found here include catfish bones, stone tool flakes, campsites and a 6,000-year-old hearth.

The Forks was also central to the 1738-1880 fur trade and railroad development on the prairies from 1886-1923. The Northern Pacific and Manitoba Railway Company’s Building and Bridges Buildings is now home to the Manitoba Children’s Museum. Nearby Union Station still operates today.

The Forks History

After the fur trade and railway development, mass immigration began to this area between 1870-1920. Now, the people of Winnipeg use the space as a summer and winter hangout, interpretive park and home of historic buildings. It welcomes over 4 million visitors a year and is proclaimed the most popular tourist attraction in the city.

What To Do at The Forks

Just walking through this lovely space is a nice daytime jaunt. Make sure to check out the Wall Through Time, which tells the history of events that took place here over the last 6,000 years in graphics.

Other highlights include:

The Plaza: Dubbed “Canada’s best and largest urban skate park and bowl complex”
Balance of Spirit Within: This 10 tonne stone is thought to be millions of years old and now sits within the park
Festival Park and Scotiabank Stage: This is the centrepiece of summer festivals and concerts
The Assiniboine Riverwalk: From Esplanade Riel to the foot of the Manitoba Legislature, this riverside walk is a lovely way to spend the day
Oodena Celebration Circle: This wonderful space honours the aboriginal history at this site with sundials, sculptures, ceremonial fire pit, observatory and interpretive signage
Manitoba Theatre for Young People: Catch some fun performances here
The Manitoba Children’s Museum: Get out your inner kid for this one
Canadian Museum for Human Rights: In 2012, this museum will be “a centre of learning where Canadians and people from around the world can engage in discussion and commit to taking action against hate and oppression”

The Forks Market Plaza

With a plethora of food options, The Forks market is a great place to try out the many restaurants and wander through the stalls and stalls of interesting products for sale. Grab a quick Japanese meal at Sushi Train (204-943-6300) or sneak a seat on the patio at Muddy Waters Smokehouse (204-94-SMOKE).

Maybe most popular of all is The Original Pancake House (204-947-5077), serving up casual breakfast meals at all times of the day. Inside the market, there are numerous stalls to find quick bites to eat and many yummy treats to take home.

The Forks Inn

The Inn at the Forks (1-877-377-4100 or 204-942-6555) is the only hotel right on the grounds. A boutique accommodation, there are 116 guestrooms and the luxurious Riverstone Spa. This is a nice downtown location without having to stay on a busy street.